ISSN (Online) : 2277-4572
Author(s): Meral Gülsen1*, Uslu Ayşe Gül1, Erzurumlu Eylem2, Kurter Cansın3
The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effect of micronutrients on linear growth pattern of children living in Istanbul, Turkey. Between 2005 and 2010, we identified two heterogeneous groups of children who visited our outpatient department in Kagithane State Hospital. Comparison between two retrospective children group was initially observed at the use of micronutrients. Each child’s initial length and weight Z score were monitored for two years variation of weight Z score and length in annual basis between the two groups. These two heterogeneous groups had not been diagnosed by anemia or chronic disease at the time of this study. The study was carried out between 2005 and 2010, and it examined two hundred children; specifically, there were 97 females (48.5 %) and 103 males (51.5%). The mean age was 4.66 ± 2.78, and the range was 1-12. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to their initial length Z score levels (p>0.05). During the study, the children who used micronutrients for the duration of two years experienced a significant increase in their length Z score levels (p0.05). Lastly, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to their weight Z score (p>0.05). This study illustrates how the use of micronutrient contributes to higher length Z scores of children. This data supports the idea that micronutrients should be included into children’s diet. Using micronutrient supplement in children’s diet suggests a better health
